On Thursday, March 21, at 5:30 PM, at BookHampton in East Hampton, there will be wine tasting and pairings along with a conversation with Laura Donnelly. Visit www.bookhampton.com for details.

6:00 PM

Takeover!:

“Takeover! Artists in Residence” continues at the Southampton Arts Center. Curated by Amy Kirwin, the show includes artists Scott Bluedorn, Daniel Cabrera, Darlene Charneco, Kara Hoblin, Ruby Jackson, Laurie Lambrecht, Jerome Lucani, Paton Miller, and Jeff Muhs. There is a weekly “hangout” every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. For a full schedule of events, visit www.southamptonartscenter.org. The show runs through April 14.

7:00 PM

Man of La Mancha:

Hampton Theatre Company debuts its first fully-staged musical “Man of La Mancha,” opening Thursday, March 21, at Quogue Community Hall, with performances through April 7. For tickets and performance schedule, go to www.hamptontheatre.org

7:00 PM

Surreal Reel:

Jamesport Meeting House will host silent films and live music by Cliff Baldwin and the Aquebogue Contemporary Music Ensemble on Thursday, March 21, at 7 PM. For more information, visit www.jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

Featured

An Intimate Spa Day At Geomare Wellness

Steps away from Southampton Village there exists a tranquil little spa that you’ve likely overlooked, simply because of its location. Geomare Wellness Center & Spa is at 80 White Street in a building that is often confused with a luxury home. Upon arrival you’ll be warmly greeted by Natasha Alimanestianu, the spa manager, who is as welcoming as the property housing the spa.

Natasha walked me to the back for my first Infrared Sauna Therapy session, in an intimate room with plush Ralph Lauren towels and an individual shower with wooden plank floors and body jets (in case you don’t want to get your hair wet while washing off). I entered the sauna at 120 degrees, laid my towel down, turned on tranquil spa sounds from the iPod, and comfortably rested against the portable back rests. The countdown began.

Within seconds I was sweating. More of a winter gal, preferring cold to overwhelming heat, I was comfortable and relaxed as little beads of toxins (my euphemism) trickled down my body. Within five minutes, my eyes closed and I fell into a Zen state of mind, a mini mental vacation.

Why? While traditional saunas heat up the air in the room as high as 185 degrees, infrared saunas use lamps to warm up the body directly through specific wavelengths, at temperatures ranging from 120 to 150 degrees. Also noticeably absent was the humidity. The purpose of it all is to benefit the body directly, rather than simply sitting in a sticky, hot room.

A person typically burns 600 calories during a 30-minute session, as the infrared increases the body’s core temperature and heart rate, similar to exercising, therein burning more calories and aiding in weight loss. It also helps balance the body’s primary stress hormone of cortisol as the heat relaxes the muscles, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and increasing circulation. If that’s not enough to get you inside, it also contributes to healthier-looking skin.

I left feeling refreshed, almost euphoric. However, the experience wasn’t over.

I put my robe and slippers on, and then celebrity esthetician and beauty expert from Lithuania, Marina Levisauskiene, guided me to my Image Skincare O2 Lift Facial. Even Marina’s attitude was relaxing. While some luxury spas are overly professional, Marina was personable and allowed her real personality to come out, making the experience feel more like a day surrounded by friends. The purpose of the oxygen is to purify clogged pores, support collagen production, and deliver immediate results. It’s an anti-aging “red carpet” treatment for all skin types, with mild extractions. From scrubs, deep peels, and steam, my skin was glowing and refreshed for the rest of the day! However, I will admit that the next day my skin returned to normal (mild bumps and dry spots), and I’d
advise regular visits for prolonged results.

Before I left, spa owner Geomoare Aviles arrived and we discussed my treatments. If there’s anything that makes this spa stand out from the rest, it’s that it’s so personal. All three women I met welcomed me in as though I had known them for years, which can make or break any business. Part of what aided in my relaxation for this nearly three-hour visit was a sense of comfort.